Microprocessor Hardware Considerations for a Thin Client (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)

1/5/2010

Windows Embedded CE powered thin clients require a modern 32-bit microprocessor.

Microprocessor Requirements

Windows Embedded CE supports various microprocessors from the ARM, MIPS, SHx, and x86 families. For more information, see Supported Device Microprocessors. The microprocessor must support 32-bit addressing, and because Windows Embedded CE implements a virtual memory system, the microprocessor must contain a memory management unit (MMU) to support virtual-memory-to-physical-memory translations.

Graphics Processing Considerations

Because there is no required minimum microprocessor speed, investigate whether you can offload graphics processing to a graphics processor or a digital signal processor (DSPs). If you offload processing to a DSP, you can use a slower microprocessor.

Application Processing Considerations

The following list shows important application-specific considerations for selecting a microprocessor:

  • Target performance level of the microprocessor
  • Processing power
  • Instruction set
  • Clock speed
  • Power consumption
  • Heat dissipation

See Also

Concepts

Performance Considerations for the Hardware Components of a Thin Client